SIONI, administered through ConnectSI, was approved by the Illinois Board of Nursing in May of 2009. Now in its second year, the full-time associate degree nursing program looks to address the shortage of registered nurses in southern Illinois by giving working licensed practical nurses a chance at becoming a RN through a hybrid-online program that fits their schedule. Three community colleges are involved this year – Shawnee, Southeastern Illinois and RLC.

Each college can enroll up to 10 students. Students enroll at their local community college. RLC is currently testing for the 2011-12 cycle that will begin in August. The application deadline to enroll for the 2012-13 cycle is April 1. For additional information, call 618-437-5321, Ext. 1251 or visit online at www.rlc.edu/aca and click on the Allied Health tab.